﻿The possibility of a new hospital for the Crawley and Horsham area has taken a step forward with the release of a report by BioCity Limited. The company, which develops bio science parks around the world, initiated the study with the support of Horsham District Council, Crawley Borough Council and West Sussex County Council. The study considers and examines the clinical and financial case for a hospital delivering NHS services together with a bio science park. Local Member of Parliament, Francis Maude said “The campaign continues at every level. We really won’t stop until Horsham and Crawley NHS patients have a decent and accessible acute hospital that they can be proud of”.

﻿West Sussex County Council (WSCC) is asking local to help understand which geographical areas are affected by poor internet connection. By completing a questionnaire business can provide the information that will help WSCC to persuade network operators and internet service provider (ISPs) to invest in badly needed improvements to the broadband infrastructure. WSCC is keen to gain as many responses as possible so that local business and the local economy can prosper from the opportunity a fast broad band connection can bring.

As superfast broadband is being rolled out across the UK, there is a risk that less commercially viable areas will be left behind, creating a “digital divide” which could damage business that are left on the wrong side.

The questionnaire will only take about ten minutes to complete and the information provided wil be ised as the basis for lobbying for improvements as thje evidence for bids for funding that could help to bring improved quality broadband to them.

The online questionnaire is available here. Printed copies of the questionnaire are available from Horsham Library or by calling 01243 642119.